98+ Camaro $12 lowbeam upgrade

[Dominic]

The Idea: Replace the 9006 55W lowbeam bulbs with 9005 65W highbeam bulbs. $6/ea

The Procedure: Modify your stock 9005 bulbs so that they fit in the 9006 socket. Purchase more 9005 bulbs and reinstall them where the OEMs were.

The Results: They work, but I haven't tested the actual brightness as of yet since its not dark, but I hear this is the best upgrade possible for these bulbs next to purchasing HIDs. 65W 9005s put out more lumens than 80W 9006s becuase they're "uncapped". I will post the final results after nightfall. :cool:

[Dominic]

I think I reaimed my lights about 30x just now, but what a world of difference it made. These 65W bulbs are awesome, the light output is incredible, and the cost is nil. I wish I would have done this a year ago [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[nikon]

now blinding at all becasue of the "cap" missing? ...and I was thinking of the same thing a while ago, just never bother trying it, what "mod" did you have to do to the socket, ream it out a bit?

[Dominic]

Read the modification link to find out how to modify the bulb itself, its simple.

It doesnt appear any more blinding looking at the car now than it did before, especially how I aimed them. On a testdrive nobody even bothered to flash their lights at me, and so I take that as being okay as well. The light output is, again, incredible. The uncapped bulbs doesn't seem to affect anything other than some extra warmth on the lenses... luckily theyre polycarbonate and are meant for that sort of heat anyways (since I'm only using 10W more, not 25+).

Works great, give it a shot, you'll be glad you did.

[nikon]

cool Ill try it tommorow when I have some time ;)

[merlinsrealm]

yeah, I plan on doing the same thing....I just havent gotten my lazy !@# out to get the bulbs

Eric

[Blizzard96]

Gonna get some pics up Dominic? I'd want to try with the 9005 Silverstars, those are BRIGHT!

I don't think 93-97s have to modify them...or do they? I coulda swore, my friend put in a low beam in my high beam spot once.

[ June 05, 2003: Message edited by: Blizzard96 ]</p>

[Quijeeboe]

i guess my big question would be is it electrically safe to move up to a higher wattage bulb with wiring meant for the original bulb

[speedy-v6-camaro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Quijeeboe:
i guess my big question would be is it electrically safe to move up to a higher wattage bulb with wiring meant for the original bulb<hr></blockquote>

Same size wire is used for both.

[Quijeeboe]

well if it's the same gauge wire then everything should be fine, i think i'll give it a shot

[Dominic]

Going to true 80W halogens might not be a good idea, but the same wire size is used for both and going up 10W doesn't harm anything.

The only photos you need are linked to on that modifications site, but I might add it to my website in the future. Its as simple as modifying some bulbs with a soldering iron and a pocket knife.

You can modify the 9005 Silverstars, but theyre expensive bulbs, so you might want to practice on a normal 9005 before you try it.

If any of you don't want to modify bulbs, I'll be happy to do it for you for a tiny price. Just let me know and we'll work something out fair. :D